Is Zytiga a Form of Chemotherapy? Uses & Side Effects

What is Zytiga used for?

Zytiga is used for the treatment of prostate cancer in men who cannot be treated with surgery or other therapies, and often used in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body in men who have received prior chemotherapy. It is used in combination with steroid medication prednisone or methylprednisolone to reduce the risk of certain side effects.

Zytiga is used to treat men with two types of prostate cancer.

1. Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC): Cancer continues to grow and spread even after therapy or surgery to lower testosterone levels
2. Metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer: Cancer responds to lowered testosterone levels but requires more aggressive treatment

Yonsa (abiraterone acetate) is used to treat men who have CRPC. The use of abiraterone acetate in the treatment of other types of cancer is being studied.

How is Zytiga taken?

Abiraterone acetate can be taken in the following ways:

• As oral tablets that should be taken one time a day.
• Should be taken on an empty stomach with water, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating any food.
• Should be swallowed whole with water and not split, chewed, or crushed.
• Must be taken at about the same time every day.
• Should be taken in exactly the same dose and schedule as prescribed.
• If a dose is missed, the regular dose should be taken the next day. If more than one dose is missed, your doctor should be notified.
• Do not stop taking abiraterone acetate or prednisone without consulting your doctor.

What are side effects of Zytiga?

Abiraterone acetate can cause mild or serious side effects. The most common side effects include:

Most effects go away after the therapy is complete. However, if the side effects worsen or do not subside, talk to your doctor.

What are potentially serious side effects of Zytiga?

Serious side effects of abiraterone acetate vary in how frequently they occur. The following symptoms require medical attention:

Seek emergency medical care if you notice the following:

What precautions should be taken before taking abiraterone acetate?

Before starting abiraterone acetate treatment, tell your doctor about existing medical conditions and your medication history:

• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Low levels of potassium in the blood
• History of adrenal problems
• History of pituitary problems
• Allergy to abiraterone acetate or any other medications or ingredients
• Other treatments for prostate cancer
• All medications and supplements being taken (do not start or stop any without discussing with your doctor)

Self-care tips while taking abiraterone acetate include:

• Minimize or completely avoid drinking alcohol
• Get plenty of rest
• Maintain good nutrition

The medication should be kept in the same container it came in—tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature away from excessive heat and moisture.

Who should avoid using abiraterone acetate?

Abiraterone acetate is used only in men and should not be used in women or children.

Abiraterone acetate tablets should not be touched without protection (gloves) by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant because medicine from a broken or crushed tablet could be absorbed through the skin.

Abiraterone acetate can harm an unborn baby if the father is taking the medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men with female partners who are pregnant or may become pregnant should use effective birth control 3 weeks after the last dose of abiraterone acetate.

This medication may reduce fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking abiraterone acetate.